I've recently discovered the power of Craigslist. I've gotten many gigs through this marvelous online community: that Ezra Reich shoot, a few artistic modeling jobs, and most recently, a stage managing and lighting design gig for a film/play that runs through the end of September.
I was ecstatic to get a call back from the director, so much so that I hadn't thought to ask what would be asked of me and in what time frame. Had I mulled over it a bit longer, I would have thought the posting questionable: why has the director posted a request for an SM only three weeks before opening night?!?! I should have known what I was getting myself into. Now, because I'd already committed to SM Jen and JD's readings next month and this Urban Bush Women thing seems to be holding up, I had to sacrifice working Tamilla & Co. this go around. It's hard for me not to regret this decision, but I feel that if I can pull this gig off, with all the work that needs to be done (find a set, hang & focus, build cues, get more instruments, confirm rehearsal schedules, blocking notes, prop list, organizing online box office (!), finding assistants, and on and on...) and with the sort of theater we're working in (dismal budget, seriously understaffed, volunteer executive director)... if I can make this work, I think I can do anything!
31 August 2007
On: Finding a job on Craigslist that turns out to be much more work and much less pay than you had expected
30 August 2007
On: Finding an idol in Ezra Caldwell (there goes that idea!)
Earlier this summer, when I first bought a ten class card at DNA and when I first discovered Ezra Caldwell's class, I vowed to find the courage and make time to take it. I took it for the first time on my birthday and then again later that week. I was obsessed! I wanted to take his class all the time, but I could only afford to switch my schedule to allow one class a week, which was better than nothing. With my new goal of running 100 miles this summer and the extreme physical demand of Ezra's class, I ended up with an injury that left my knees feeling sort of loose. I took a break for a while.
I found out earlier last month from Asami that Ezra would be ending his dance career, effectively quitting his teaching gig at DNA on 30 August. I couldn't believe it! I finally get the courage to take the man's class then he up and retires on me! I had dreams of being as strong as his regulars. So strong. I took his class for the third and final time last Wednesday, and I'm sad.
Ezra is also a fantastic photographer. Here are some images he took while teaching class and rehearsing.
22 August 2007
On: Not Landing that Dream Interview
I researched for a week ahead of time. How to act, how to dress, what to ask, where to look. I spent about $200 at H&M and Aldo. I got a portfolio that I didn't use. I bought a leather folder that I didn't use. My hair was all wrong. I missed the early train. I couldn't print my resume (which I didn't need anyway!) and showed up 5 minutes late (a good SM is always early!!!). I was sweating everywhere. I didn't speak enough. I think my questions didn't make sense. Those damn shoes hurt like crap. And I didn't get the job. After all that.
It was an internship with the technical crew for Bill T. Jone/Arnie Zane Dance Company. My resume and email were good enough to get me an interview, but my schedule conflicted with theirs. So. My second attempt to get close to the Company has failed (the first being the Fela audition which I royally bombed with my novel rendition of "Giant Steps"... the face on poor Bill!). Twice was the charm for UBW. Maybe I'll get lucky the third time.
21 August 2007
On: Diagnosing the twins
I have to get a sonogram. She said it was an infection, I took the pills and nothing changed. The doctor said she'll have to remove the hard bit whatever the results are, but she wants to be sure of what the thing is. I don't want surgery. I don't want anyone coming near my precious tits with a sharp object.
15 August 2007
On: My first Stage Managing Gig!
I answered a call on Dance/NYC for volunteers for a short dance piece choreographed by Isabella Bruno to be featured in The American Living Room Festival. I was actually meant to audition for the choreographer on two separate occasions, but that never happened. Soon, she sent a request out for someone willing to stage manage the piece. Course, I've never actually done this, in the traditional sense, but I've run many a board and I assisted Ashley for Launch, so I figured I could learn quick and make it work.
So, we met and Isabella is cool. I came to a rehearsal and I thought her idea for "Quirk" was great, though it could have used some refining and more rehearsal time with the volunteers. The whole concept centered around the individual habits and daily routines of ordinary people. She rehearsed for three months with a group of four dancers around whom the piece revolves. They mime everyday activities like making coffee, getting dressed, and applying makeup. The 20 or so volunteers act as background bodies, filling the space for the quartet to move around, fight through, to instigate and be provoked. The bulk of the piece is inspired by the subway; the way people isolate themselves in a crowded box. I loved the way she contrasted the close-knit relationship between the quartet against the sort of removed and independent "chorus". She set the work to a soundtrack, comprising a handful of songs by The Books, which I enjoyed immensely. I think the music doesn't always have to make the piece. In "Quirk", the music accompanies the piece.
So, stage managing is such a rush. Different than the rush I might get while performing, but the adrenaline is there. It's more of a cerebral buzz. The excitement of the countdown to show time; the moment when house opens and the audience begins to pour in (both nights were sell outs!); "house out", "music go", "lights go".... and they begin and it's nonstop from there. A good SM is on it. She knows the movement and the music by heart. She know when to do what and how to fix what goes wrong. She is calm under pressure and never transmits her anxiety to her crew or the choreographer or the performers. She's cool as a cucumber. That is I. I had a blast and I can't wait to do it again.
03 August 2007
Meditation #5499 or "It's about the quality of your expression" -Amiri Baraka
I believe that art imitates life, that it is a representation of the an environment, that my message is my interpretation of ideas that are shared by others. Art testifies to a time, a people and a way of life. Let's take for example the argument that the rapper is not a poet. One could argue that both poetry and hip hop culture are so diverse in their subject matter and methods of delivery, that it is impossible to make a blanket statement such as this. Or that rappers who make songs that degrade women and glamorize crime culture are simply imitating the life they know. Or that the art form in fact fuels the fire, and that a change in the subject matter could change the environment.
Amiri Baraka says "it's about the quality of your expression"; that saying something with the purpose of saying something is art. Rappers out for fame and fortune are not artists, they are vehicle for exploitation. Tupac was a poet.
01 August 2007
Proust Questionnaire
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
A feeling that I am needed by someone, for love or inspiration; a sense that there is no one in this world who can replace me.
What is your greatest fear?
To find myself an dying woman alone and giving in to regret.
What is the quality you most like in a man?
The power to influence his environment. I am most attracted to men who inspire me to be grow.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
My naiveté, in life experience and in my ability to communicate.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Daydreaming.
Which historical figure do you most identify with?
I wish I were better educated in historical figures to answer this question accurately.
I would identify with the Every Woman. If there ever was a woman who struggled to understand her own beliefs while balancing the responsibilities of career and family, I would study her path to success.
What is the quality you most like in a woman?
Confidence in her femininity, and all the while humble in her demeanor.
What is your greatest regret?
I try to live a life without regret; acknowledging remorse for the past will not change it. I just try and learn from the less fulfilling moments.
Which talent would you most like to have?
The ability to communicate in every language.
What is your current state of mind?
Self-aware.
What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
I think there are none. I think also, that people confuse courage with coping or necessity.
Who is your favorite hero of fiction?
I want to think about it more, but the first that comes to mind is Santiago of the Alchemist. I absolutely believe in finding an internal rhythm to guide you and not allowing fear or guilt keep you from experiencing the best life possible.
Who are your heroes in real life?
Matante Michaelle
What is your favorite occupation?
Finding someone to fall in love with.
What is it that you most dislike?
Dishonesty and arrogance.
When and where were you happiest?
1. Alone meditating on my thoughts.
2. That first kiss.
3. Dancing all night to Fela.
What do you dislike most about your appearance?
I think I appear dim to some.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
"like", "uhm". When I pay attention to eliminating these from my vocabulary, I find that I'm a much more eloquent and creative speaker.
What is your most marked characteristic?
Others would probably say that it is my smile or that I'm always happy.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I would like to be more articulate, in movement, thought, and communication.
What or who is the greatest love of your life?Creating. [edit] Doing
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
Losing all memory of the people I love.
Who are your favorite writers?
I'm lucky that I find new favorites with every book I've read; Toni Morrison, Flannery O'Connor, Zadie Smith.
If you could choose what to come back as, what would it be?
There's a comedian who jokes about coming back as a rich white woman's poodle. There's a thought.
What is your motto?
"Life is what you make of it."
How would you like to die?
I want to pass knowing that my life was an event worth remembering.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
My life thus far.
What is your favorite journey?
The one that I've planned for the end of this year. I haven't worked out all the specifics, but I'm hoping to celebrate the new year in Haiti. Stina will meet me there with her husband. I'm not sure if we will stay with my father's family or my mother's -- I could conceivably stay with both. I'm just not sure of what Stina has in mind for the trip. I plan on gaining a greater understanding of my culture. I suspect that when I return to New York, I will be a more worldly woman, or at least I'll be able to speak the language.
